You can not offer dialogue to opponents when you have an opposition leader locked up in prison

The West is waiting for the results of a dialogue between political opponents, but that doesn't mean sanctions are off the table. Georgia's allies are now watching through a magnifying glass to see what positions the parties will take in the talks and what concrete steps will be taken before Garibashvili's crucial visit to Brussels.

You can not offer dialogue to opponents when you have an opposition leader locked up in prison - Riho Terras , MEP, addressed the leadership of the "Dream". According to him Charles Michel's special envoy, Christian Danielson, is a very experienced diplomat and he has done a lot of work in the Eastern Partnership. "I hope his efforts will change the political situation in Georgia for the better."

We offer the interview with Riho Terras unchanged:

"- First of all, let us give the parties an opportunity to resolve this conflict peacefully. The EU has specific values, including the rule of law and human rights. Therefore, if all this is protected, then negotiations are possible. However, this is impossible if the leader of the main opposition is in jail, and the ruling party is raiding the opposition's office, how can negotiations be held if one of the opposition parties cannot sit at the table? Then the EU can really find other leverage.

- What kind of leverage is that, if Nika Melia and George Rurua are not released from prison, political repression is not stopped, will the EU think about imposing sanctions?

- Let me be clear - the EU will not take sides. We believe the way out of this stalemate is dialogue and common solutions. And also maintaining the rule of law. Arresting the leader of the opposition party will not help. If the issue is not resolved, the EU will use other means, but at this stage it will be good if everything is resolved peacefully. Georgia is an important partner of the European Union and a major democratic force in the region. We want to help, and that is why Mr. Danielson was appointed. External interference is wrong, and the statement issued by the head of Russian Foreign Intelligence Service a few days ago was an interference in Georgia's internal affairs. In my opinion, the moral support of Russian Foreign Intelligence Service is not good for either side, or for either Georgian party. So let's find a way out of this impasse together, rather than arrest each other. I strongly support transatlantic cooperation, and I support cooperation between both houses of Congress in the United States and the European Union. I know that we have the same understanding of peace and democracy. So we really need to work together in Georgia to find a solution. I would love to come back to Georgia again, just as I did when I was the commander of the Estonian Defense Forces. I really like Georgia and I think I understand the circumstances very well. Unfortunately, the pandemic doesn't allow us to travel today, but we have to work together to get Georgia back on track," - said Riho Terras.

Recall that, Christian Danielson arrived in Georgia today, March 12. He has already met with representatives of Dreams and non-governmental organizations.